It’s spring and that means employers are starting to post summer employment opportunities. Now is the time for young adults to prepare for summer employment. Summer work experience provides an excellent opportunity for teens to earn money, gain valuable experience and build confidence. Teen workforce participation According to the U.S. ...
No matter how you say “welcome,” if you are a new American, West Michigan Works! can provide opportunities to find a satisfying career in the United States. Refugee and immigrant navigators can provide specialized assistance to help you start your new life. Here are a few ways that we can ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Entry Level Marketing at Renewal by Andersen Hiring event: Thursday, April 25 from 10am-12:30pm at 121 Franklin St SE, ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Direct Support Professional at Turning Leaf Residential Rehabilitation Services Hiring event: Wednesday, April 17 from 10am-2pm at 3255 122nd ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Customer Service Representative at Speedway Hiring event: Monday, April 8 from 1-4pm at 215 Straight Ave NW, Grand Rapids. ...
U.S. veterans return from duty with knowledge, skills and abilities that employers are looking for in their workforce. Here are some transferrable skills that veterans bring to civilian jobs: TEAMWORK: Most military activities are performed with the help or coordination of others. Veterans have learned to collaborate with others to ...
Rachel Murphy was bullied in high school and dropped out. With no work history, she lacked the motivation and self-esteem to pursue her education/career goals. But with the support of the Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) program, Rachel is on the path to reach the goals she set for herself. A ...
Need to file for unemployment? Looking for a new career? Interested in job-training opportunities? West Michigan Works! can support you throughout the process of searching for, applying for and getting a job. Ready to visit? Here are some recommendations to make the most of your trip! Bring personal identification. Bring ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Home Health Aide at Alliance Home Health Care Services Hiring event: Tuesday, April 2 from 10am-2pm at 3255 122nd ...
Hannah Wyman joined our Job’s for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) chapter in December 2017 and already has seen success. She’s her way to accomplishing her goal of earning a GED within six months. Hannah has overcome a lot since entering the program. As a result, her confidence has soared and her enthusiasm ...
The West Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board was presented with the 2019 Trailblazer Award in a ceremony in Washington D.C. on Monday, March 25, 2019. The award, which is an initiative of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), recognizes innovation and leadership in developing and delivering workforce solutions in ...
Gina Mancha was displaced from a long career in automotive manufacturing and needed to find a new career. As a dislocated worker, Gina was eligible for services through Michigan Works!. With guidance from a career coach, she completed a career portfolio—a collection of documents that highlights experience, skills and accomplishments—and ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. On-Call Security Officer at DK Security Hiring event: Wednesday, March 27 from 9:30am-1pm at 3255 122nd Ave, Allegan. Hiring ...
There are nearly 43,000 Spanish speakers living in Kent County according to the 2013-2017 American Community Survey. To better serve all of the area’s residents, we recently launched a Spanish language website at es.westmiworks.org. Spanish speakers can learn—in their native language—how to begin filing for unemployment and registering for work, ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Uniformed Security Officers at Allied Universal Hiring event: Monday, March 18 from 10am-2pm at 121 Franklin St Se, Grand ...
Each year during Women in Construction Week, local chapters of the NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) hold events honoring the role of women in the industry. Chapter #194 in Grand Rapids serves the West Michigan region and hosted the Women in Construction Luncheon on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Direct Support Professional at Turning Leaf Behavioral Health Services Hiring event: Wednesday, March 13 from 10am-2pm at 3255 122nd ...
WORKSmart is a quarterly email newsletter with workforce development news and resources, events, services and more of what’s happening at West Michigan Works! Did you miss the last newsletter? Sign up so you don't miss the next one! $9.5 Million in Training Dollars Coming to West MichiganThis year employers in the ...
FACT: In 2016 women made up only 9.1% of the construction workforce in the U.S. FACT: Construction jobs are expected to grow between 11% and 32% over the next five years in West Michigan. FACT: The gender pay gap is much narrower in construction. In the U.S. women in all ...
February is Career and Technical Education Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of programs that prepare students for the world of work. This is the sixth in a series of stories focusing on CTE in West Michigan. Why Career & Technical Education (CTE)? A CTE ...
We recently asked Beth, one of our talent development instructors, for some insider information on our free workshops. Beth has been teaching workshops for seven years and one of her favorite workshops to teach is Cover Letter Writing. This is what she told us about the workshop: What is Cover ...
February is Career and Technical Education Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of programs that prepare students for the world of work. This is the fifth in a series of stories focusing on CTE in West Michigan. Nearly 2,000 Kent County high school juniors and ...
February is Career and Technical Education Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of programs that prepare students for the world of work. This is the fourth in a series of stories focusing on CTE in West Michigan. A Local CTE Success According to a national ...
February is Career and Technical Education Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of programs that prepare students for the world of work. This is the third in a series of stories focusing on CTE in West Michigan. Allegan County According to the U.S. Department of ...
February is Career and Technical Education Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of programs that prepare students for the world of work. This is the second of a series of stories focusing on CTE in West Michigan. Last year, almost 13,500 high school students in West ...
Did you know West Michigan Works! regularly hosts employer of the day events where job seekers can meet local employers face-to-face and learn about job opportunities at their company? We recently chatted with Tory, a business solutions representative at West Michigan Works!, to find out what job seekers can expect ...
This is the first in a series on career and technical education. Future posts will highlight CTE programs across West Michigan and how they’re helping students prepare for college and career. February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of ...
Most interviews end with this question: What questions do you have for us? Your interview isn’t over yet! Show curiosity and interest in the company during this part of the interview. Impress the employer with great questions- not ones you already know the answer to, such as position details or ...
The average job search process takes over six weeks and can be longer depending on the industry and level of the position. If you’re unemployed, you need to make job search your full-time job to get the fastest results. West Michigan Works! provides free services to help you at every ...
Recently, LinkedIn analyzed hundreds of thousands of job postings to decide which skills companies need most in 2019. How does that list compare to what West Michigan employers need? We asked a couple of them their thoughts. The 5 most in-demand soft skills in 2019 soft skill: personal attributes, personality ...
The New Year is a great time to reset goals and create healthy habits. Have you made any resolutions yet? Here’s a list of popular goals and how they can help your job search: Exercise more Exercise releases endorphins which make you feel happier. Exercise will improve your sleep, reduce ...
Meet Karla and Bob. They both came to a West Michigan Works! service center after losing their jobs. They both started their job search with fear they wouldn’t get rehired because they’re older workers. After help from their career coaches, they both found jobs similar to their previous ones and ...
Are you unemployed? Do you want to break into a new field? Where do you start your job search? A successful job search starts with a strategy; a plan with defined tasks that will help you achieve your goal. Your first step: Take time to look at what motivates and ...
In 2018 West Michigan Works! (WMW) helped 44,890 job seekers, served 3,193 employers and filled 10,463 jobs. This work isn’t done in isolation; it’s accomplished through partnerships with employers, training providers, educators and community organizations. Each December, we look back over the year and recognizes a few of its key ...
There are many moving parts to a job search: research, networking, writing, applying, following up. The list goes on and on. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here are five easy, yet important tasks that are easily forgotten: Consider job search your job. Set a daily schedule. Wake up at the ...
It’s no secret the health care industry is growing quickly; there are more open positions than people to fill them. This is great news if you’re looking to jump into a career in health care. Some jobs in the industry require a lot of training: physician, nurse and surgeon. But, ...
Back L to R: Riley Frens, Nick Borgman, Sam Sandee, Gordy Bacheller. Front L to R: Laurie Trestrail, Kelle Bergers, Andrea Gafford On Monday, November 12, West Michigan Works! recognized seven area service workers with 2018 Beverly A. Drake Essential Service Awards for their integrity, commitment, and passion in their ...
Davidson Plyforms is the largest curved plywood manufacturer in North America. They make wood furniture pieces for customers like Haworth, Steelcase and Herman Miller. Their products are used daily around the world in offices, hospitals, schools and homes. There is no typical day at Davidson Plyforms because their jobs are ...
Muskegon Recovery Center is part of the Cherry Health system, which offers health services to individuals who have little or no access to health care. The Recovery Center provides medication assisted treatment, as well as group therapy and support services, for individuals addicted to opiates. MRC currently has a long ...
To increase Michigan’s talent in Professional Trades and apprenticeships, the state’s Talent Investment Agency gathered a group of thought leaders for a conversation moderated by MLive at The Grand Rapids Press, including our CEO, Jacob Maas. The forum is part of Experience Sooner, a public awareness effort focused on elevating ...
Do you want to earn some extra cash for the holidays? Are you a college student looking for job over break? . Would you like to get your foot in the door with a new employer? Consider a seasonal job! Employers are hiring record numbers of seasonal ...
Manufacturers throughout West Michigan are gearing up for open houses and student tours that will showcase their facilities and career options. The tours are part of Manufacturing Week 2018, which runs from October 1-5, 2018. More than 100 manufacturers are expected to host more than 1,000 students during this year’s ...
Meet Nate: Nate had no work experience and a disability that made getting a job difficult. Through the Youth Employment Services program, Nate got an apprenticeship with a local electrical company after graduating from high school, attended community college and is on his way to a career in electrical engineering. ...
Since 2013 they have applied for and received millions of Going Pro Talent Fund dollars. The Going Pro Talent Fund (previously Skilled Trades Training Fund) provides competitive awards for short-term training that addresses documented skill deficits. Employers play an integral role in the Talent Fund program; they work with their ...
Were you a member of the US Armed Forces? If so, you and your spouse may qualify for priority of service and other individualized employment services through West Michigan Works! Veterans possess many of the soft skills that employers are seeking. Effective communication, teamwork, dependability, responsibility, multitasking and the ability ...
You don’t always remember what they say, but you remember how they make you feel. The people we encounter throughout our day have the ability to improve our lives one interaction at a time. In their various roles in service industry jobs Jen, Dave and Chris interact with many people ...
We recently sat down with Linden, a talent development instructor at West Michigan Works!, to talk about workshops for job seekers. Linden has been teaching workshops for five years and his favorite workshop to teach is Job Search Techniques. Here’s what we learned about what makes this workshop his favorite. ...
Apprenticeships have long played a major role in training America’s skilled workers, combining classroom learning, on-the-job training and wages that increase as skills are learned. Apprentices not only get paid while learning the skills for a high-demand job, they earn a nationally recognized industry certification. With all these benefits, it’s ...
Collaboration aligns labor supply with employer demand Much of the work being done to address talent demand issues is happening through industry sector collaboration, or industry councils. Councils bring together employers, workforce agencies and other partners such as training institutions and economic development agencies to create regional, sector-specific workforce strategies. ...
L to R: Lelah Christiansen, Shanitra Reed, Samantha Gonzales, Melonie Rodriguez, Gina Mancha Five women put on red caps and gowns, sharing smiles and stories about the past 18 weeks they experienced together. They are the first students to complete and graduate the Sterile Processing Registered Apprenticeship program: Lelah Christiansen, ...
The Michigan Works! service center in Hastings added General Educational Development (GED) testing center to its list of services. The site will offer monthly testing dates for Barry County residents who are looking to earn the equivalent of a high school diploma and improve their employment prospects. Passing a GED ...
Your first visit to a Michigan Works! service center might have been to register for work. Now that you’re registered for work and receiving unemployment benefits, it’s time to jump start your job search. We can help! What else does West Michigan Works! do? Job search: West Michigan employers are ...
Celena Mancina, Grand Circus and Brandon Brown, Meridan West Michigan’s IT industry is one of the fastest growing in the nation. With a growth rate +6.5% over the national average, employers are concerned about finding enough talent to fill their job openings. On Thursday, June 21, West Michigan Tech Talent ...
IT Apprenticeship is a win-win for local employer and employee Last year, Community West Credit Union realized they needed to add a Help Desk Specialist to their IT Team. At the same time, current marketing employee, Sandy, began studying computer science to transition into the IT field. Through grant funding ...
It’s really easy to get discouraged or depressed during your job search. Here are five ways to keep your job search upbeat and successful. Connect with past co-workers. Let them know you are on the hunt. You’ll be surprised how many are willing to help. Volunteer. Use your free time ...
Please note the following changes to the unemployment process in response to COVID-19. Until further notice: West Michigan Works! has cancelled non-essential services such as workshops, orientations, hiring events and other group activities. All unemployment claims can currently be filed online at Michigan.gov/UIA or by calling 1-866-500-0017. You are NOT required to ...
D’Angelo Green will graduate from Muskegon Heights High School Academy with a very bright future. But the outlook hasn’t always been so positive. A bleak future At the start of his senior year, D’Angelo lacked the essentials needed for graduation and success beyond high school: credits, motivation, maturity and basic ...
Please note the following changes to the unemployment process in response to COVID-19. Until further notice: West Michigan Works! has cancelled non-essential services such as workshops, orientations, hiring events and other group activities. All unemployment claims can currently be filed online at Michigan.gov/UIA or by calling 1-866-500-0017. You are NOT required to ...
Non-Traditional Ways to Develop Talent Pipelines & Diversify Your Workforce It seems these days everyone is talking about how unemployment rates across the country are at a historical low. While this factor may indicate a healthy economy, what does it mean for companies who need qualified workers? Employers may need ...
Have you seen our monthly series on Facebook, Ask a Career Coach? We're traveling to our service centers to sit down with a career coach LIVE to give you a chance to ask job search-related questions. This month we visited the Holland Service Center. In this video, Mark talks about: ...
by Jane Kreha, Director of Marketing Muskegon CNA graduates West Michigan Works! and its program partner, Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI), graduated two classes of Certified Nurse Aids (CNAs) this May. In ceremonies in Muskegon and Grand Rapids, 13 individuals were pinned and are now ready to begin their ...
Going PRO apprenticeship readiness participants with their new employers Program matches young adults with manufacturing employers Wednesday, May 30 was “signing day” for six Allegan residents eager to begin careers in manufacturing. The individuals, a mix of recent high school graduates and young adults seeking a career pathway, are participants ...
Are you a young adult in West Michigan? Are you working hard but feel like it's not getting you anywhere? We want to hear from you! Take our short survey and be entered to win one of two Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones (worth $300!). Take the Survey
Are you ready to get the skills to succeed in one of the fastest growing industries in our state? West Michigan construction companies need qualified talent, and that need is only expected to grow. It is estimated that the construction industry will need 9,000 new employees each year in Michigan. ...
The West Michigan Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program (MARAP) combines classroom learning, simulation learning and work experience with a participating healthcare provider. As a student in this one-year program, you will: graduate with a Medical Assistant Certificate of Completion, a certificate of completion of apprenticeship from the US Department of ...
Kimberly Stein, HR Manager Recco Filters makes wire mesh fuel, hydraulic and pneumatic filters for the aerospace, fluid power and other industries. They've received multiple customer awards for quality. Recco is currently hiring for several positions, so we chatted with their HR manager, Kimberly Stein, about these opportunities. What makes ...
Haworth, furniture manufacturer headquartered in Holland, Michigan, will be at Allegan and Ottawa Service Centers this week because they're hiring! We sat down with one of their recruiters, Valerie Reimus to hear more about the company and open positions. Thanks for joining us today! Can you introduce yourself? I am Valerie ...
Build a Skilled Workforce With Training Funds Low unemployment levels mean today’s job-seeker pool is at historically low levels. Yet, employers still have jobs they need to fill. West Michigan Works! can connect employers to a variety of services to address their talent needs, including access to workforce training funds. ...
On April 25, more than 9,500 students from 85 middle and high schools throughout Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon and Ottawa counties learned about future career opportunities at MiCareerQuest 2018. Student attendees participated in interactive exhibits and conversations with 117 area employers. "Most often career fairs don't include civil ...
Anna Trujillo was referred to West Michigan Works! after returning to Michigan from California in August 2017. Anna was worried about finding employment; she didn’t have a credential, interview clothing, transportation funds or a Michigan driver's license and registration. She needed a way to support herself and her three children. ...
Employers offer short phone interviews now more than ever before. These interviews help hiring managers decide which candidates to invite to a longer, in-person interview. More than half of what a person says is communicated through body language and non-verbal cues. During a phone interview, the hiring manager can only ...
Since 2015, the State of Michigan has dedicated millions of dollars for grants to help employers train their workforce. Availability of Skilled Trades Training Funds has been approved on an annual basis to date, but pending legislation will provide long-term operation of the funding program. Under Senate Bill 946, the ...
A statewide training program is using the principles of supply chain management to ensure Michigan has a steady supply of qualified talent. Consumers Energy Co. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation are training leaders of Michigan chambers of commerce, economic and workforce development organizations and nonprofits to be the ...
Passion meets culture is a message heard throughout Sunset Retirement Communities & Services. Staff make a difference in the lives of their residents through exceptional customer service and a heart for their mission. To hear what it's like to work at Sunset, meet Carol. Name: Carol Holwerda Position: Talent Acquisition ...
Students and employers gathered at the Muskegon Career Tech Center for the Student Showcase, the last step of the Linked Muskegon program. Linked is an 18-week training course in machining, welding or health sciences open to people of all ages who are looking for a new career. Michael Minton, CNC ...
Fogg Filler is a family owned business in Holland, Michigan that designs and manufactures rotary filling systems. Their machines are used to fill containers for a growing number of industries throughout the world including dairy, water, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical. The company strives to combine skilled ...
Know before you go! Meet one of the employers attending the Holland Job Fair on Tuesday, March 13. Chick-fil-A in Holland is looking for team members. We sat down over coffee and egg white grill sandwiches to talk with their talent coordinator, Melissa Wayne, about opportunities for job seekers. Why ...
Whether you’re employed and looking for a new job, thinking about a new career or applying for unemployment insurance, use these tips to make the most of your visit to a Michigan Works! service center. (See a list of all ten locations here.) 1. Bring your resume After checking in, ...
Editor’s Note: This is the final in a four-part series about how to answer common interview questions. See part 1, part 2 and part 3. The interview is a time for you to make yourself stand out from other candidates. Asking thoughtful questions during the interview can set you apart ...
Hiring, training and employment successes celebrated at annual Impact Awards State leadership and lawmakers came together this week to honor west Michigan leaders for their efforts to create jobs and develop talent in their communities. Legislators and talent development officials recognized Muskegon resident Michael Minton, Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, ...
Editor’s Note: This is the third in a four-part series about how to answer common interview questions. Read part 1 and part 2. An interviewer may ask the following questions to get some insight into your motivations, attitudes and professional goals. Why are you looking to leave your current job? ...
Over the next three years, Christman Construction and its subcontractors will hire hundreds of individuals for the Mercy Health medical center construction project in Muskegon. A regional initiative is working with these employers and other community partners to recruit, hire, train, and retain talent from the urban core of Muskegon ...
After the interviewer asks you a couple questions to get to know you a little better (see our first article for tips), they might move to questions about why you are a good fit for the job. Here are a few common questions and strong answers to help you prepare ...
Chet Wiersma on break fairlife's break room With steeled toe boots and a hair net, Chet Wiersma is ready for a 12-hour shift as a packaging operator at fairlife, a health food company with a milk production facility in Coopersville that produces and markets great tasting, nutrient-dense milk products. Here’s ...
2017 winner Adela Miranda, Hampton Inn Holland Every day thousands of service workers perform tasks that make our days a little brighter, our businesses running smoother, our experiences more memorable. Nine such individuals were recognized with Essential Service Awards during a meeting of the Economic Club of Grand Rapids on ...
More than 1100 students participate in Hour of Code event West Michigan's IT industry is one of the fastest growing in the nation with a growth rate +6.5% over the national average. And the increasing use of technology in the workforce is creating a growing need for IT workers across ...
Editor’s Note: This is the first in a four-part series about how to answer common interview questions. The Interview: Answers to Common Questions You did it. You nailed your resume and cover letter. You networked with the right people and found great references. Now you have to prepare for the ...
Health care is a hot industry in West Michigan (See the hottest health care jobs in the 2018 Hot Jobs list!). There are more jobs than candidates, so employers are creating new ways to help people jump into a health care career quickly. You can start a health care career ...
Employees at Alliance Home Health Care Services don’t just get a paycheck - they change peoples’ lives. Individuals who work here become part of clients’ lives, often assisting them through physically or emotionally tough times. Home Health Aides visit clients to help with personal care, meals and light housework. The ...
Publication Provides Snapshot of Region's Workforce Needs West Michigan Works! released this week its 2018 Hot Jobs list. The list contains the 100 top jobs in the region’s high-growth industries. For the seven-county West Michigan region, the highest demand is concentrated in health sciences and manufacturing. High-demand occupations are defined ...
Yolanda "Pretty" Marble hugs a student at Muskegon Community College's Grab-n-Go When you walk by the Grab-n-Go at Muskegon Community College, there will probably be a group of students hanging around. Not because they have the best pizza in the town, but because of the woman who runs the café. ...
Collaboration key to solving the region's workforce challenges The 2017 fiscal year found West Michigan Works! continuing to grow, change and improve as a regional entity. A focus on cost-cutting and innovative approaches to programmatic services led to direct service delivery for Allegan, Barry, Ionia, and Montcalm counties. This, plus ...
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! Meet one of the recruiters attending Paragon D&E's hiring event on Thursday, December 14. Name: Britteny Willis Position: HR Representative Company: Paragon D&E When you meet a job seeker at a hiring event, what questions do you want them to ask you? Here are some of ...
Know before you go. Get to know one of the employers attending the Second Chance Job Fair. Meet Ramona Saftuic. She's a Human Resources Generalist at Rapid-Line. Why is Rapid-Line conviction-friendly? We are here for more than making money. We want to engage the community and provide equal opportunity employment to ...
During times of low unemployment, there is a critical need to upskill the current workforce to meet the growing talent needs of employers. Skilled Trade Training Fund grants address the skills gap by funding training opportunities for the current workforce. The grants create a win-win situation - when employers invest ...
Pictured from left: Craig Stolsonburg – Business Solutions Representative, West Michigan Works!; Kerry Boulter – Training Coordinator, Flexfab; Kevin Trahan – Maintenance Technician, Flexfab Hastings manufacturer, Flexfab, leveraged workforce training funds to help cover the cost of long-time employee Kevin Trahan’s certification in Managing Industrial Networks for Manufacturing. Tapping into ...
A view from above MiCareerQuest 2017 taken from a hydraulic lift in the construction sector MiCareerQuest is a unique, hands-on career exploration event that exposes over 9,000 West Michigan middle and high school students to exciting job opportunities in high-demand industries. Kids, teachers and guidance counselors meet with local employers ...
Influx of training dollars critical during times of low unemployment The Talent Investment Agency for the state of Michigan announced today its Skilled Trades Training Fund (STTF) awards for FY 2018. Since 2013, the STTF has injected millions of dollars into the Michigan economy for short-term training in high-demand occupations. ...
If you or someone you know is in West Michigan for the Thanksgiving holiday, you won’t want to miss ReThink West Michigan. On November 22nd, 2017 companies and non-profit organizations with open positions are coming together to convince you to live and work in West Michigan. Events will be held ...
The Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program in West Michigan is helping health care providers fill a critical shortage of talent and has been saluted as national Promising Practice by the U.S. Department of Labor. The department listed Michigan along with programs in Wisconsin and Idaho as states with apprenticeship programs that ...